Birmingham, known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene, is home to some of the finest museums in the UK. From world-renowned art galleries to quirky, one-of-a-kind collections, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city while on a Europe tour, exploring the museums in Birmingham is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in history, art, science, and culture. In this blog, we’ll delve into the best museums the city has to offer, including important information like Birmingham museums ticket price and timings.
Table of Contents
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
- Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
- The Coffin Works
- Pen Museum
- Free Museums in Birmingham
- Other Must-Visit Museums in Birmingham
- Birmingham Museums Ticket Price and Timings
- Final Thoughts
1. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: A Cultural Icon
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG), one of the top places in Birmingham, is the crown jewel of the city’s museums. Opened in 1885, it houses an impressive collection of art, including the world’s largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings. The museum is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to fit into any itinerary. Visitors can enjoy a mix of permanent exhibitions and temporary ones, with themes ranging from ancient civilizations to contemporary art.
Things to Do at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
- Explore the pre-Raphaelite art collection, including works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones.
- Walk through Birmingham’s industrial history, with exhibits on the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution.
- Visit the Egyptian Mummies gallery to learn about ancient history.
- See the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
- Enjoy changing exhibitions that showcase both local and international artists.
Best Time to Visit
- The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a great year-round destination, but for a quieter experience, visit on a weekday afternoon. Special exhibitions can draw larger crowds, so plan accordingly.
Birmingham Museums Ticket Price and Timings
- Ticket Price: Admission to the main museum is free, but some temporary exhibitions may have an entry fee.
- Timings: Open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays).
2. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum: Fun for the Family
Located at Millennium Point, the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is a hands-on museum perfect for families and science enthusiasts, and one of the top things to do in Birmingham. This interactive museum covers everything from Birmingham’s industrial past to the latest advancements in technology and science. Thinktank is also home to a fantastic Science Garden, where visitors can play with large-scale interactive exhibits and learn about how everyday objects work. The Planetarium is another highlight, offering a spectacular look at the stars and planets.
Things to Do at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
- Explore the Science Garden, where kids can learn about physics through fun, interactive displays.
- Visit the Planetarium for a fascinating tour of the cosmos.
- Take a walk through the Birmingham Industrial Revolution exhibit, detailing the city’s engineering past.
- Learn about the future of technology with exhibits on artificial intelligence and robotics.
Best Time to Visit
- The best time to visit is in the morning, especially on weekdays when the museum is less crowded. School holidays can be busy, so plan your visit outside of peak times if you want to avoid crowds.
Birmingham Museums Ticket Price and Timings
- Ticket Price: £13.50 for adults, £9.75 for children, with family tickets available.
- Timings: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
3. The Coffin Works: Birmingham’s Unique Industrial History
The Coffin Works Museum is one of Birmingham’s quirkiest museums, offering a glimpse into the city’s industrial past. Housed in a former factory that made coffin fittings, the museum preserves the original machinery and tools used by the Newman Brothers, who supplied fittings to some of the most famous funerals in British history.The factory, now one of the best places for day trip ideas from Birmingham has been restored to how it looked when it closed in 1998, complete with tools, machinery, and even some original paperwork left on desks. Guided tours help bring the history to life, making it a unique stop for history buffs.
Things to Do at The Coffin Works Museum
- Tour the original Newman Brothers factory and see how coffin fittings were crafted by hand.
- Learn about the Victorian funeral trade and the role Birmingham played in it.
- See the machinery in action as it would have been used decades ago.
- Get an insight into the lives of workers who contributed to Birmingham’s industrial success.
Best Time to Visit
- The Coffin Works Museum is typically quieter during the weekdays, offering a more intimate experience. However, the museum offers tours at set times, so check the schedule in advance.
Birmingham Museums Ticket Price and Timings
- Ticket Price: £7.50 for adults, £4.50 for children.
- Timings: Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:45 am to 4 pm.
4. Pen Museum: Explore Birmingham’s Writing Heritage
Nestled in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, the Pen Museum, one of the top photography spots in Birmingham tells the fascinating story of the city’s pen-making industry. During the 19th century, Birmingham produced the majority of the world’s steel pen nibs, revolutionizing the way people wrote.For anyone interested in writing, calligraphy, or history, the Pen Museum offers a unique and engaging experience. It’s one of the smaller, lesser-known museums in Birmingham, but certainly worth a visit.
Things to Do at the Pen Museum
- Try using traditional steel nib pens and learn about the art of calligraphy.
- Discover the history of pen manufacturing and how Birmingham led the industry worldwide.
- View fascinating exhibits of historical documents and pens used by famous figures.
- Participate in workshops where you can make your own steel nib or try calligraphy.
Best Time to Visit
- Visit during weekdays, especially afternoons, when it’s usually less crowded.
Birmingham Museums Ticket Price and Timings
- Ticket Price: £5 for adults, free for children under 16.
- Timings: Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm.
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Free Museums in Birmingham
Birmingham offers several excellent free museums that allow visitors to dive into the city’s culture and history without spending a penny. Here are some of the best free museums in Birmingham that should be on your list:
5. Ikon Gallery
A contemporary art museum, the Ikon Gallery is one of Birmingham’s leading spaces for modern art. Admission is always free, and the gallery hosts a rotating selection of exhibitions from local, national, and international artists.
6. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Explore Birmingham’s history as a center for jewelry making at this unique museum, located in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Tours are offered at selected times and are a fantastic way to discover the trade that made this district famous.Suggested Read: Adventure Activities In Birmingham
7. Aston Hall
This Jacobean mansion offers an insight into the life of the wealthy during the 17th century. While admission is usually required, Aston Hall often hosts free community days and cultural events.
8. Soho House Museum
Formerly the home of industrialist Matthew Boulton, the Soho House Museum tells the story of Birmingham’s role in the Industrial Revolution. It’s a free museum that also hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
Other Must-Visit Museums in Birmingham
Beyond the major institutions, there are several smaller must-visit museums in Birmingham that offer unique insights into the city’s diverse history and culture.
9. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Located at the University of Birmingham, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts is an art lover’s dream. With a collection that spans from the Renaissance to the 20th century, this gallery houses works by masters such as Monet, Turner, and Van Gogh. The museum is free to enter and often holds special exhibitions and events.
10. Aston Hall
This grand Jacobean mansion, located in Aston Park, offers a glimpse into Birmingham’s history from the 17th century. A visit to Aston Hall will transport you back in time, with grand rooms and beautiful gardens to explore.
11. Soho House Museum
The former home of Matthew Boulton, one of the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution, Soho House Museum tells the story of Birmingham’s contributions to manufacturing. The house is beautifully preserved, with tours available to explore both the personal and professional life of Boulton.
Birmingham Museums Ticket Price and Timings
Understanding the Birmingham museums ticket price and timings is essential to planning your visit. While many museums offer free entry, others charge for special exhibitions or have specific ticket prices.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery- Price: Free entry, charges for special exhibitions.
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
- Price: £13.50 for adults, £9.75 for children.
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm daily.
The Coffin Works Museum
- Price: £7.50 for adults, £4.50 for children.
- Timings: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:45 am to 4 pm.
Pen Museum
- Price: £5 for adults, free for children.
- Timings: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.
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Final Thoughts
Birmingham’s museums offer a wide array of cultural experiences, from world-class art collections at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery to quirky and interactive spaces like the Pen Museum and Thinktank. Whether you’re on a budget and looking for free museums in Birmingham, or you want to dive into the rich industrial history of the city, there’s something for everyone.